Developing and washing tray

ABSTRACT

A developing and washing tray assembly comprising a receptacle having a peripheral wall and an intermediate partition wall defining below the peripheral wall adjacent compartments, one containing a fixing or developing solution, and the other compartment continuously draining or holding a top tray element in a position of non-use. The top tray being three-sided and normally supported in an overlying position to the compartment containing the solution when in use with the open side of the top tray draining into the drainage compartment and being inclined to continuously drain therein. The top tray including a handle to facilitate lifting, and a clamp to secure a sheet element being rinsed. The overlying top tray substantially preventing dilution of the developing or fixing solution as the treated sheet element is being rinsed.

United States Patent 91 Sebastian Mar. 27, 1973 s41 DEVELOPING AND WASHING TRAY 22 Filed: 7 Jan. 11,1972 21 Appl. No.: 217,027

I Primary ExaminerSamue1 S. Matthews Assistam Examiner-Richard M. Sheer AttomeyJohn C. Holman et a1.

57 ABSTRACT A developing and washing tray assembly comprising a receptacle having a peripheral wall and an intermediate partition wall defining below the peripheral wall adjacent compartments, one containing a fixing or developing solution, and the other compartment continuously draining or holding a top tray element in a position of non-use. The top tray being three-sided and normally supported in an overlying position to the compartment containing the solution when in use with the open side of the top tray draining into the drainage compartment and being inclined to continuously drain therein. The top tray including a handle to facilitate lifting, and a clamp to secure a sheet element being rinsed. The overlying top tray substantially preventing dilution of the developing or fixing solution as the treated sheet element is being rinsed.

12 Clainm, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHARZYISYS SHEET 1 [IF 2 PATENTEUHARZYIBH SHEET 2 BF 2 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to photographic equipment, and more particularly to tray assemblies in which an exposed sheet element (particularly one of large area) is developed or fixed in a tank and subsequently rinsed in a ready and expeditious manner with a minimum of effort and dilution of the liquid used in the process to attain uniformity of production while relative manual mass production can be achieved.

2. Description of the Prior Art Tray assemblies per se are known as illustrated, for example only,by the following: Greene, U.S. Pat. No. 1,001,020 Aug. 22, 1911 Gates U.S. Pat. No.

- Mar. 13, 1956 Steievenart et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,435 July 20, 1965.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention particularly permits the user to develop large exposed sheets with a minimum of effort and contamination or dilution of a developing or fixing solution comprising a bottom tray or receptacle which is divided into a closed solution compartment in which an exposed sheet is deposited and treated, and an adjacent drainage compartment; a second traylike element is open at one side whereby after a sheet is treated, it is. retained thereon and rinsed or squeegeed with the drainage water draining into the drainage compartment and prevented from diluting the treating or fixing solution; the top tray-like element having handle means facilitating handling thereof; disposing it on edge in the drainage compartment when a sheet is being deposited in the treating solution compartment; including means supporting the tray-like element in an inclined draining position, and in which the lower rear edge of the top tray element serves to doctor off excess solution on the sheet after it is treated so that rinsing or squeegeeing is facilitated These, together withother and more detailed objectives of the invention,will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment when taken in conjunction with the drawing forming a part of the description, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the two elements of the tray assembly of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the novel assembly in a condition of use, also showing a fragmentary portion of a nozzle to supply rinse water or the like and a sponge used to squeegee off the element being rinsed;

FIG. 3 is a transverse section, illustrating how the top tray-like element is disposed in a stored position of non-use; showing an exposed sheet element in a treating bath;

FIG. 4 is a section similar to FIG. 3, in which the traylike element is disposed in overlying relation to the treatment liquid compartment; the sheet element which was treated or developed being withdrawn and excess liquid draining back into the treatment compartment; and

FIG. 5 is a transverse section taken substantially on the plane of line 55 of FIG. 2, illustrating the manner in which an exposed sheet is rinsed, the treatment solu- 1,479,661- Jan. 1, 1924 Klein U.S. Pat. No. 2,737,865

tion is covered, and how rinse water drains.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Before describing the structure and function in detail, it is to be understood that the elements comprising the novel tray assembly canbe produced in any suitable manner, i.e., from molded plastics, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., and details of supports or abutments are intended to be exemplary in character.

Referring to the drawing in detail, and first considering FIG. 1, the tray assembly of the invention is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a bottom receptacle means, or container 12 and a top tray-like element 14. The bottom receptacle 12 as well as the top element 14 are generally rectangular; however, this is merely illustrative.

The bottom receptacle 12 includes a bottom 16 supported by a peripheral or marginal wall 18 conveniently described as including end walls 20,22 and front and rear walls 24 and 26 respectively. Extending transversely between intermediate portions of the inner surface of opposed walls 20,22 is a partition wall 28 common to adjacent compartments 30 and 32; the former being identified as a drainage compartment and the latter being identified as the treatment-liquid-containing compartment. The drainage compartment includes at least one, but in the exemplary embodiment showing two drainage nipple elements 34 of sufficient capacity to continuously drain the compartment 30. The partition wall top edge 36 is disposed below the upper edge 37 of the peripheral wall 18. Fixed to the inner surface of the side walls 20 and 22 are lateral support brackets 40 and 42, respectively, while the rear wall 26 has a similar lateral element 44. The elements 40-44 are at a slightly higher level so that the top tray element 14, when disposed inthe position shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,will be pitched or inclined toward the compartment 30 to facilitate drainage.

The tray-like element 14 includes a bottom 46 having a free edge 48 and vertical side walls 50,52 joined to a back wall 54. The area of the bottom 46 corresponds substantially to that between the inner surfaces of walls 20,22,26 and projects beyond the upper edge 36 of partition wall 28. When the bottom 46 rests on the upper edge of the partition wall 28 and the brackets 40-44, FIG. 5, it is inclined toward the compartment 30. Fixed to the undersurface of the bottom 46, slightly inward of edge 48, are depending orientation abutments 56; see FIGS. 4 and 5, which are disposed over compartment 30 or 32, depending if the sheet S is being treated per FIG. 5 or withdrawn per FIG. 4. The abutments 56 on the underside of element 14 hold this element in the backward position so that it will not slip forward during the rubbing action that takes place while rinsing and squeegeeing. To assist in retaining the treated sheet S on the upper surface of bottom 46 of element 14, there is provided clamp means comprising, for example, spring-urged clamps 58. Projecting inwardly from back wall 54 of element 14 are handle means comprising, for example, inwardly projecting abutments 60. The handle means may assume configuration other than that shown; in this regard, the brackets 40-44 can be replaced by integral abutments on the upper edge of walls 50-54 which would rest on the upper edge of walls 20,22,26 and be so conformed to provide the necessary drainage angle.

OPERATION The compartment 32 is filled with a suitable treat ment liquid L, such as conventional developer or fixing solution; the tray element 14 is disposed in a stored non-use position 14'; see FIG. 3, and the sheet S is deposited in the solution. As is convention, after a fixed period, the sheet is withdrawn per FIG. 4, the element 14 being slid forward and the rear lower edge 68 can be used to doctor off excess liquid as the sheet is withdrawn from the compartment 32. After the sheet is withdrawn, it is clamped upon bottom 46 by clamp means 58, the element 14 being slid backward is kept in position by abutments 56 during the rinsing and squeegeeing operation, and the rinse liquid source R and squeegee Q are used to rinse the sheet S. The edge 48 of bottom 46 directs the rinse solution into compartment 30, and the side walls 50-54 prevent rinse liquid from mixing with or diluting the solution L.

What is claimed is:

1. A tray assembly for treating exposed photographic sheets or the like comprising, in combination: a receptacle having a partition therein with an upper support edge dividing said receptacle into a liquid treatment compartment and an adjacent liquid drainage compartment;

a rinse tray having a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall surrounding said bottom wall along all but one side thereof, and a free edge portion along said one side of said bottom wall, said rinse tray being removably received within said receptacle in overlying relation to said liquid treatment compartment for preventing dilution of liquid in said compartment;

support means on the bottom wall of said rinse-tray cooperating with said partition, and additional support means on said receptacle adjacent said liquid treatment compartment cooperating with said support means on said rinse tray for positioning said tray in overlying relation to the liquid treatment compartment and into angular draining relation towards said drainage compartment with the free edge portion of said bottom wall overlying said drainage compartment so that rinse liquid deposited on said tray will automatically drain past said free edge portion of said bottom wall into said drainage compartment.

2. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said receptacle has a peripheral side wall bordering the compartments, said partition upper support edge being disposed below the upper edge of the peripheral side wall and engaging said rinse-tray inwardly of said free edge portion.

3. The structure as in claim 1 in which said additional support means abutment comprises abutment means projecting inwardly from said receptacle.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 3 in which said receptacle has a peripheral side wall bordering the compartments, said partition upper support edge being disposed below the upper edge of said peripheral side wall and engaging said tray inwardly of said free edge.

5. The structure as claimed in c arm 3 in which said abutment means and said partition upper support edge are disposed in vertically spaced relation and orient said tray into said angular draining relation toward said drainage compartment.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said drainage compartment includes at least one drainage element adjacent the lower surface thereof for freely draining liquid therefrom.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said tray includes handle mans for facilitating lifting of said I 9. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said tray includes manually releasable clamp means for restraining a sheet on said tray as it is being rinsed.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said support means on the bottom wall of said tray is a depending abutment inwardly of said free edge portion for orienting the tray with respect to said compartments.

11. A tray assembly for treating an exposed sheet or the like comprising:

a lower tray having a bottom wall surrounded by a peripheral wall, a partition extending transversely of said peripheral wall and defining adjacent separate compartments, said partition having an upper support edge disposed in a plane below the upper edge of said peripheral wall, one of said compartments including a drainage portion for draining rinse liquid therefrom; and a rinse tray substantially corresponding in area 'to the other compartment for overlying the said other compartment, said rinse tray having a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall surrounding said bottom wall along all but one side thereof, and a free edge portion along said one side of said bottom wall projecting beyond the upper support edge of said partition and overlying said one compartment when said rinse tray overlies said other compartment, support means on the bottom wall of said rinse tray cooperating with said partition and additional support means on said lower tray adjacent said other compartment cooperating with said support means on said rinse tray for supporting said rinse tray in overlying relation to said other compartment and into angular draining relation towards said one compartment with the free edge portion of said bottom wall overlying said one compartment so that rinse liquid deposited on said tray will automatically drain past said free edge portion of said bottom wall into said one compartment.

12. The structure as claimed in claim 11 in which said upper and lower trays are rectangular, said drainage portion of said one compartment bordering one side of said other compartment. 

1. A tray assembly for treating exposed photographic sheets or the like comprising, in combination: a receptacle having a partition therein with an upper support edge dividing said receptacle into a liquid treatment compartment and an adjacent liquid drainage compartment; a rinse tray having a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall surrounding said bottom wall along all but one side thereof, and a free edge portion along said one side of said bottom wall, said rinse tray being removably received within said receptacle in overlying relation to said liquid treatment compartment for preventing dilution of liquid in said compartment; support means on the bottom wall of said rinse-tray cooperating with said partition, and additional support means on said receptacle adjacent said liquid treatment compartment cooperating with said support means on said rinse tray for positioning said tray in overlying relation to the liquid treatment compartment and into angular draining relation towards said drainage compartment with the free edge portion of said bottom wall overlying said drainage compartment so that rinse liquid deposited on said tray will automatically drain past said free edge portion of said bottom wall into said drainage compartment.
 2. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said receptacle has a peripheral side wall bordering the compartments, said partition upper support edge being disposed below the upper edge of the peripheral side wall and engaging said rinse-tray inwardly of said free edge portion.
 3. The structure as in claim 1 in which said additional support means abutment comprises abutment means projecting inwardly from said receptacle.
 4. The structure as claimed in claim 3 in which said receptacle has a peripheral side wall bordering the compartments, said partition upper support edge being disposed below the upper edge of said peripheral side wall and engaging said tray inwardly of said free edge.
 5. The structure as claimed in claim 3 in which said abutment means and said partition upper support edge are disposed in vertically spaced relation and orient said tray into said angular draining relation toward said drainage compartment.
 6. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said drainage compartment includes at least one drainage element adjacent the lower surface thereof for freely draining liquid therefrom.
 7. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said tray includes handle mans for facilitating lifting of said tray off said receptacle.
 8. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said drainage compartment removably receives and supports said tray on an edge thereof in a non-use stored position.
 9. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said tray includes manually releasable clamp means for restraining a sheet on said tray as it is being rinsed.
 10. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said support means on the bottom wall of said tray is a depending abutment inwardly of said free edge portion for orienting the tray with reSpect to said compartments.
 11. A tray assembly for treating an exposed sheet or the like comprising: a lower tray having a bottom wall surrounded by a peripheral wall, a partition extending transversely of said peripheral wall and defining adjacent separate compartments, said partition having an upper support edge disposed in a plane below the upper edge of said peripheral wall, one of said compartments including a drainage portion for draining rinse liquid therefrom; and a rinse tray substantially corresponding in area to the other compartment for overlying the said other compartment, said rinse tray having a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall surrounding said bottom wall along all but one side thereof, and a free edge portion along said one side of said bottom wall projecting beyond the upper support edge of said partition and overlying said one compartment when said rinse tray overlies said other compartment, support means on the bottom wall of said rinse tray cooperating with said partition and additional support means on said lower tray adjacent said other compartment cooperating with said support means on said rinse tray for supporting said rinse tray in overlying relation to said other compartment and into angular draining relation towards said one compartment with the free edge portion of said bottom wall overlying said one compartment so that rinse liquid deposited on said tray will automatically drain past said free edge portion of said bottom wall into said one compartment.
 12. The structure as claimed in claim 11 in which said upper and lower trays are rectangular, said drainage portion of said one compartment bordering one side of said other compartment. 